David Weber wants to see change.
While knocking on doors as the Green party candidate for KitchenerSouth-Hespeler, he says people are ready to see it too.
“People are not happy. Many want to see change, but they are also afraid to throw their vote away. There has been big growth in the Green party, especially here in Ontario, and this is exciting,” Weber said.
“The message I want people to hear is that I am listening, and I am hearing them.”
Weber previously ran in the 2014 and 2018 provincial elections to build support in the riding for a greener vision.
Of the Green candidates across all of Ontario, he placed sixth best in voter support.
Weber retired in 2018 after a 30-year career with Waterloo Regional Police Service, a role that, for Weber, was about keeping the peace and seeking justice with fairness and compassion.
“When I was hired as a police officer, it was a very different experience from when I left. Poverty, homelessness, addictions, and mental health have worsened. It dawned on me that we need more people in leadership, with more compassion,” Weber said.
Seeing the struggles and inequity that people face, Weber is motivated to help in ways where they have been neglected.
“In 2011, I changed my political views. I used to be a conservative. I realized that the ‘let’s balance the budget mentality’ just wasn’t working. The Green Party is more compassionate,” Weber said.
“The Greens have more of a mindset about spending millions on the health care system or on supportive housing with wrap around services. You will save billions in the long run, improve the lives of people and the fabric of the community.”
Weber is passionate about addressing issues such as poverty, healthcare, and most importantly, protecting the environment by moving to a cleaner green economy.
“I’m happiest when I’m out in nature. Everything is interconnected. If we don’t nurture and protect the earth, it will not be able to care for us,” Weber said.
Weber enjoys the artistic composition aspects of nature photography and oil painting. He designed his own home. He plays in a recreational billiards league and baseball league, and enjoys concerts, kayaking and hiking.
“I’ve backpacked through Europe and Indonesia, and I immersed myself with different cultures. There are great people around the world, but there’s something about our tri-cities, what a great region,” Weber said.
Weber grew up as the youngest of seven children in Kitchener, and today lives in Doon, a stone’s throw away from his grandfather’s farm.
“My father was a new order Mennonite. My parents were very proud before they passed away. I miss them,” Weber said.
“There’s so much here in Waterloo Region, beautiful trails, smaller communities, friendly people, and everyone is so much more connected. This area, it’s in a sweet spot. Of course, being here in the place where you grew up, it’s always close to your heart.”
Weber believes that all voices need to be heard in government and that proportional representation voting should replace the current system of simple majority.
“To have everyone fairly represented is what matters to me. It would bring collaboration to the community at large,” Weber said.
Weber continues to listen to his neighbours throughout his riding and is grateful for the support he receives from volunteers.
“The volunteers are like family who share a common vision and common goals,” Weber said.
Weber said he hopes people will be brave this coming election and vote for something better.
“I just want to know that I’ve done my share,” Weber said. “And that I have tried all I can to make this world a better place.”
